This fourth volume in the History of Wales deals comprehensively with the events between the civil war and the beginnings of the Industrial Revolution. The central theme is the development of powerful social forces which took an impoverished and sleepy nation to the threshold of unprecedented social, economic, and political change. Drawing on a wide range of sources, the book reveals how demographic growth, agrarian improvements, the development of trade and heavy industries, improved communications, the provision of educational facilities, the emergence of Dissent and Methodism, and the revival of Welsh culture influenced the making of modern Wales.
Between 1642 and 1780, powerful social forces transformed Wales from an impoverished, downtrodden, and sleepy nation to one on the threshold of unprecedented social, economic, and political change. Drawing on an extensive range of original and published material, Jenkins reveals how demographic growth, agrarian advancements, the development of heavy industries and trade, and improved communications created the foundation for modern Wales. Among the colorful and influential personalities who appear in this book are Vavasor Powell, Sir Watkin Williams Wynn, Edward Lhuyd, and Sir Humphrey Mackworth.
Between 1642 and 1780, powerful social forces transformed Wales from an impoverished, downtrodden, and sleepy nation to one on the threshold of unprecedented social, economic, and political change. Drawing on an extensive range of original and published material, Jenkins reveals how demographic growth, agrarian advancements, the development of heavy industries and trade, and improved communications created the foundation for modern Wales. Among the colorful and influential personalities who appear in this book are Vavasor Powell, Sir Watkin Williams Wynn, Edward Lhuyd, and Sir Humphrey Mackworth.